LET'S ROLL......

I first read Travis Macy's book The Ultra Mindset a year ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a sport specific "self help" book of sorts, unlike any I have read. The concepts and format make it's content current and quite relevant to every aspect of your life. Mike Welk described the book as "the one book you can read 30 times and always get something out of it." Travis has laid out 8 core mindset principles that when implemented separately or in conjunction with one another will help you be successful in sports, life and business. After I read the book I passed it along to a friend as I often do with such books but never stopped thinking about the concepts. Eventually, I purchased an additional copy reread it and have gone back periodically to review a concept when I felt I needed to. I connected with Travis on LinkedInn, followed him on Twitter and Facebook and frequently watched his YouTube videos. I feel the Ultra Mindset principles parallel my own and made every effort to use them to guide me in life, work and sporting pursuits. With an open mind and self reflection you can use these principles to achieve daily success in every aspect of your life too.
I was ecstatic when I discovered on Travis's FB feed that he was enrolling participants in his Ultra Mindset course for endurance athletes. It asked, "Do you want to optimize your racing, work and life with an Ultra Mindset?" I did and signed up directly.
Without going into much detail of the course itself, it is an active, candid, personal and public self reflection of how or what you have experienced within the realm of the 8 core principles of the Ultra Mindset and how to use those principles successfully, daily. Each week follows a corresponding book chapter, supplementary readings and reflections, a 1 on 1 phone call with Travis and weekly video call with an extraordinary panel of endurance greats including Marshall Ulrich, Dave Mackey, Rebecca Rusch, Krissy Moehl and Jason Schlarb just to name a few. Throughout the 12 week course participants share stories, feeling, experiences in an effort to seek an improved mindset that will generate wellness in life and beyond, IF..... you participate fully. It's like everything else you get out of it what you put into it and if you are willing to put into these principles the rewards are endless and last a lifetime.
An additional perk of the course, are the folks you meet along the way. Their stories and experiences reveal how different and similar some us are. How willing people are to share and support one another based on common experiences and a brief exposure to one another. And because of technology that connection is able to continue and flourish beyond the course, its wonderful.
My mindset has been put to the ultimate test since the courses end. I lost my job recently and I have put into practice every mindset principle time and time again as my families course has been unexpectedly altered. We have railed together to develop plans to keep our heads high, feet on the ground and moving forward when things appear to be stacked against us. No DNF acceptable here.

* Let's be honest the course cost money. So only commit if you are ready and willing to take yourself to the next level. This will take effort and NOT going for a run kind of effort. Not everyone is ready and able to honestly search within themselves to tap into the power of their mind. You wont get anything out of it if you don't commit 100%. Like anything else!

Sneak Attack

Nestled peacefully in a cocoon of warmth, I listened to the wind hammer rain against the side of the house, I contemplated a change of plans. We are in desperate need of rain so it was great that it was raining, just not today, not now.
Being that I haven't had to run in the rain in ages this scene appeared pathetic, was I getting soft? I had run in the rain, I had, daily, for weeks at a time, until I feared my feet may permanently prune. However, after being spoiled with cool, dry weather every morning for months today just didn't seem like the best day to put an end to such an agreeable streak of good fortune.
As I pulled myself out of bed the battle in my head continued. "I can't let a little wet weather win this one," I said to myself, at least I shouldn't. With little recollection of dressing I found myself in the garage lacing my shoes. The rain wasn't as heavy as I stepped outside. Gusting wind whipped fog, leaves and rain around menacingly, there was not a star in the sky, it was surprisingly warm. It felt eerie, like something was about to happen. My head lamp struggled against the inky black as the front door sunk away behind me.

Between gusts was dead calm. Everything was loud then: my feet on the gravel, a leaf as it landed among others in the ditch, an unseen something skittered away from me as I made my way up the road. I crossed the cattle guard, at the next intersection I paused briefly, then went right instead of left. I almost always go left. At a sign that read "Devils Britches" I went left again. I felt drawn in this direction for some reason. I love this route although I don't take it often. It provides an alternative to the summit of Hemphill Bald and it is a lot of fun.
I could see no light between the trees, in the valley or surrounding hills, it was spooky. I run these logging roads, hills and trails around my house regularly but today felt different for some reason. I hadn't gone far before I felt like I was being watched. The wind had calmed, my footsteps and breathing was all I could hear. I stopped running and looked behind me and waited, not a sound. Maybe I will head back? No, I was closer to home the way I was heading. I kept running, scanning left then right and in front of me, periodically looking over my shoulder. I was starting to feel uneasy.
Suddenly I sensed something to my right and above me, I ducked, jerked, turned and looked up at the same time. An owl swooped toward me. I shrieked as it slammed into my head in a flurry of talons and feathers. My hat and head lamp tore off as I hit the dirt, the bird tumbled tail feathers over tea kettle to my left only visible because my light now lay on the ground like beacon in its direction. The bird regained composure quickly, shook off the landing and stared through the glaring light at me for an eternity. I didn't move. Then its eyes flashed again, he seemed to consider the light in front of him then looked at me as if to say "WTF," he hopped towards me spread his wings and silently disappeared into the darkness above me. I waited, carefully stood, picked up my hat and light and put them back on my head and resumed running up the trail toward home. Adrenalin flowed like a surging river, my hands shook. Was the bird following me? I anticipated subsequent attacks but they never materialized. My head was on a swivel until I reached the front door safely.


Owls Attack

Back in the Saddle

As dawn approached on a foggy and slightly chilly, Saturday October 1st I found myself at Oskar Blues Reeb Ranch again, this time for a bike race. Yes, a bike race. Bleary eyed, coffee in hand, Ozzy Osbourne's "Over the Mountain" fittingly played in the background, as I checked into Blue Ridge Adventures, 2nd Dirt Diggler Gravel Grinder: a 47 mile back country/gravel road tour through Transylvania and Henderson counties in Western North Carolina.

Honestly, I was popping out of my skin, it had been 15 years since I had ridden in a bike race, I was nervous. My rekindled interest sparked while attending the 2016 Cyclocross Nationals in Asheville in January and subsequent tracking of Lael Wilcox's historic Tran Am Race, and Mike Hall's record setting Tour Divide this summer.
I spent considerable time modifying the same 93' Marin, Pine Mountain, mountain bike I had ridden in my last race in 2001. With considerable tinkering and the help of a class with Jenny Kallista of The Appalachian Bicycle Institute (appalachianbicycleinstitute.com) the old steed has been transformed into a "Frankenstein" version of a cyclocross bike. The additions: Bontrager stem and drop bars, an 8 speed Shimano bar end shifter, Cane Creek drop bar v-break leavers, a no-name ridged fork, and Schwalbe (26x1.35) CXPro tires. I dropped the (20T & 42T) chain rings and front derailleur for an 8 speed 32T x 11/34  drive set up.
Getting back on the bike has been exciting and humbling at the same time. Back then I spent more time in the saddle of my bike than in the drivers seat of a car. Over the last 3 months I have spent more time on my bike than the previous 15 years combined. Not with the same vigor of course but determined. I started with short rides and slowly added mileage, confidence and fanny fitness. Just before the 4th of July I tested my metal on a 130 plus mile ride east to Hickory, NC, what a wonderful trip. 18, 20, 30 mile rides over the area hills and gravel roads became routine. It was exciting to be on the bike again.
Somethings never change and the start of The Dirt Diggler was no different than my last, years ago.  As the 8 am start loomed I found myself mustered at the start with over 180 riders anxiously listening to last minute route instructions: follow this ribbon, that sign or the orange arrows painted on the road and watch for traffic. Ya, ya, ya seems almost audible as racers just want to get moving. Then there is a lul, a feeling of anticipation, as if time stops.

Suddenly, the count down from ten begins and 5,4,3,2,1 a siren whirls and we are off. In this case racers head through an old dairy barn (fun if you like the kind of stuff) which acts as a portal of sorts to break up momentum and slow progress intentionally yet only briefly. There is a flurry of adrenalin, a mashing of gears, tires loose traction across gravel as the entire hoard surges forward. Fighting for position must be a natural phenomenon, it has always amazed me. To put that much effort into a position only held briefly that early in a race is just ridiculous. Early climbing helped spread riders out as they fell in with other riders of similar abilities. The first big climb Pinnacle Mountain had riders negotiating deep ruts, rocks and sand, my bike handling skills came back to me hampered only by my lack of experience with drop bars. If there was a place to flat or wreck, this was it, I survived. While there seemed to be a climb around every corner the scenery opened up on to idyllic farms, picturesque mountain views and peaceful wooded properties. After 40+ miles of riding a short, dreadfully steep, smack in the face final climb dropped me into a fun flowing 2 mile single track descent back to the ranch and through the barn to the finish.
What a day, perfect temps, dry and not to dusty gravel roads, no flats, no wrecks, a couple thrown chains, a great race and a fantastic day to be back on the bike.

What A Hullabaloo

I woke Wednesday, the day before the Steep Canyon 50K, feeling like I had been kicked by a horse. My head congested, eyes swollen and itchy, achy all over. As I contemplated my current state, running 50K the next day seemed impossible. I made it through the day after implementing every conceivable over the counter tactic I could to thwart my condition: Dayquil, Nasal spray, Nettie pot flushing, 1/2 box of Kleenex and copious amounts of water to name a few. That night, I went directly to bed thinking nothing of what race day would bring.
Thursday, race day I woke feeling just a little better than I had Wednesday. I groggily pulled myself upright, swung my legs over the side of the bed and sat. "It was going to be a long day." Nothing was typical about this event. That was certainly by design of race directors Peter and Charles. First, the race was on a Thursday, who has a race on a Thursday? Second, start time was 1000, that, just odd. The Steep Canyon 50k was the kick off to a weekend packed with run, fun, music and beer to raise money for Oskar Blues CAN'D AID FOUNDATION who's "do-goodery" is dedicated to diggin' in and makin' a difference where you can in your community, pretty cool.

Peter and Charles at the start

The events which are the 50K and relay options unfold simultaneously on a 11ish mile loop of predominately single track trail starting at Osker Blues Reeb Ranch barn and climbing a fantastic route layed out up into Dupont Forest gaining some 16oo' before it returns to the ranch and subsequent loops.
Plenty of post race banter was focused on the inaccuracies of the distance and elevation statics, there always is. I don't really care and I suspect the race directors don't either, it is all about being out on the trail after all, right?
Step by step details of my day would certainly deter you from continuing from here so I will spare you that. As you are already aware of how I was feeling at the start, I chose to abandon all previous goals in lieu of simply participating. If I had told myself that it would be OK to quit because of how I was feeling, I probably wouldn't have started.
My approach was simple: go as far as you can and enjoy yourself. I surprised even myself the first lap finishing it in 2:24 (40 minutes faster than the day I had epiced the loop in the pre-run, see previous post). The second loop was a bit of a slog in 2:40. I was ecstatic but exhausted and everything about the day seemed to begin to weigh on me as I began my third and final loop. I was tired and I am sure every bit of sickness had been forced out of my body. The 90 degree heat of the day had reminded me of being in a sweat lodge and I was beginning to feel the affects of it. At this point, I decided I would finish and I did. However, loop 3 completion took me almost as long as the first 2 combined. In any given event, this outcome would have been unacceptable. However, I finished with two unbelievable ladies and such a HULLABALOO was made of our "Lantern Rouge" finish that my finishing time just didn't matter. (Lantern Rouge is the term used for the last place finisher in the Tour de France)

What a Fantastic event! Kudos to Peter and Charles for putting it all together. The course was beautiful. The music and over all event vibe was second to none. The venue was just idyllic, the cause admirable. What more could you ask for in a race? Thanks guys!!

Me at the finish

*I do want to give credit to event photographer Tobias Albrigtsen. Typically event photographers seem less than thrilled with their roll. Being out there all day snapping shots of typically nonplussed runners would be loathsome. Previous event pictures and those of others rarely seem to be worth the finger click that produced them. I said as much, jokingly of course, to Tobias while on the trail and he responded "I know how to take pictures, mine are different." Man he was right! Great Job Tobias!

I guess I "epiced"

Words are often redefined. Bad meaning good comes to mind as does New England's classic "Wicked." At one point, epic had seeped into our vernacular to describe something specular or very impressive even AWESOME! The term is quite common with sports casters describing an "epic shot" or a climber describing an "epic route" up a rock face in Yosemite Valley. Failure has the potential to be epic as well with "Epic Fail" being tossed around to describe an unfortunate pole volt attempt or air drop gone bad on a mountain bike.
Epic by definition pertains to a long poetic composition centered upon a hero and his achievements, so the new use of "epic" is rather easy to pallet. Unlike bad as good was or maybe still is in some circles. I don't know.
 Recently "epic" and "epic fail" morphed  further into "epiced" a reference to something even BIGGER!! Example: If you find your self out of water and food, without shelter and suddenly muster your last glimmer of strength to finish in the dark on the edge, flirting with death itself you apparently have "epiced."
Stories of climbers, runners and adventures who have "epiced" have become fodder for countless pod casts, blog posts and magazine articles. It all seems kind of careless really until it happens to you although I can not responsibly say what I experienced was a good thing either. It just makes for good story.
Last weekend, I found myself with some friends on a trail run. Typically, I don't run with others they are almost always faster and more experienced than I am and I don't want to hold anyone up or feel I have to run faster than I would like to.
Unfortunately my ego got the better of me from the start. It was a beautiful afternoon. Everyone was running and chatting, I felt good. Heck, it was only 10 miles, I have been diligent in my training. They said they would walk the up hills, I was sure I would keep up. Everyone was supportive and encouraging so I went with it.
But.... someone up front kept running when we hit the first climb. They didn't walk, nobody walked, and I didn't either. I kept up, I felt great. We ticked off that climb a short downhill and another climb, we were moving right along. The group started to spread out and an eerie feeling set in that the back of the pack was falling behind. I had never run this trail, neither had the couple people still with me. The three of us had certainly slowed down. Fortunately, the lead pack would stop at trail intersections to make sure we were hanging on and did not miss a turn. I hated they had to do that but appreciated it, for sure.
It was ridiculously hot! I sucked my hand held dry and eventually all the enthusiasm drained out of me. My head whirled, sweat soaked every stitch of clothing, my feet cramped and calves ached. I felt like I was being beat with sticks. I ran, walked and trudged forward in a daze. Fewer and fewer members of the lead pack waited at junctions to account for those bringing up the rear. I felt like I was running on a hamster wheel, time stood still. The three of us had no idea where we were, how far we had gone or how far we had to go to get back to our cars.
We were long out of water and had eaten everything we had. The support and encouragement of the others kept us moving forward. We stopped, stuck our heads into a creek to cool off, refreshed we continued with a bit more spring in our shuffle. As if on queue Charles, one of the guys who had been in the lead pack ran back to check on us and told us we had a mile, maybe a mile and a half to go. Relief poured over of us and we pushed up and over the next few climbs. When Charles said "this is it, the last down hill!" it was music to my ears. I could smell the barn! We ran that hill a bit out of control energized by the cheers and encouragement from those who had already finished. Dales Pale Ale's where thrust into our hands as we rejoined the group. The three of us gathered ourselves, sucked Dale's and water and fell into conversation about are adventure. A lot was said about how tough we were. "Epiced?" Nah!  I don't think so. I hated feeling that way. I was just glad to make it back.

"The Bald"

Hemphill Bald stands above Cataloochee Ski Area and Maggie Valley at 5400'. The "Bald' as its referred to locally sits on the south eastern boundary of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, 800' and a couple miles or so from my front door. This corner of the park is the least visited and has become my little "private North Carolina." It offers numerous tranquil, solitary loops incorporating the Cataloochee Divide trail and Hemphill Bald trail along the southern ridge of the park and the Rough Fork, Big Fork, Caldwell Creek and Boogerman trails scattered in Cataloochee Valley below and north of the ridge. Human sightings area rare and wild life sightings are frequent: bear, wild pig, deer, elk, Turkey and grazing horses and cattle among others. The Bald, in my opinion offers some of the prettiest views in North Carolina.

View into Cataloochee Valley

The entire 800' climb is runnable. The first section heads south away from the house and up a maintained dirt road. Then turns off onto a private drive way where I am often greeted in the morning by barking Bo and Emogene as I pass through. The climb continues up to the left on an old, well traveled logging road, tunneled in spots by rhododendron as you climb through the trees. You will cross a couple creeks as you ascend along the road. Eventually you will pop out into an open grassy meadow, the tree line and fence directly across from you here mark the park boundary. Turn right and climb along a well traveled cattle path paralleling the fence toward the summit. You will be treated with stunning views off to your right towards the south and east as you climb.

Uphill

meadow climb

downhill

At the summit you will find a idyllic little perch, fenced off from the free range cattle in the area. A map here points out the surrounding summits. Views stretch off towards the east and include Moody Top and Purchase Knob among others. It's all down hill from here! Descend toward the east and follow the path as it falls away from the park and the ridge. It can get a little confusing here but if you stay to your right and on the trail you will eventually pop out onto a well maintained dirt road in a private housing development. The road makes for a quick decent, I turn off onto a little side trail back to my house before it links back up with the rode to the ski area.
 5 days up
Day 1 0915 a late start for me. Unusually warm already, 78 degrees. Busier than normal, cars up and down the road. No visit from the dogs this morning. The climb to the meadow was uneventful. Nothing stirring, not even cattle as I turned toward the summit.  Hot. A few cattle spotted among the trees in the shade on my descent, they watched as I passed but didn't move. I passed a group of folks heading up the road on my way dawn and said "good morning." They asked how far it was to the top? "Not far," I responded. Time 56:13
Day 2 0700 significantly cooler than yesterday, a beautiful morning, 62 degrees. Emogene was barking at a couple walking up the road I said "good morning" as I passed, they said nothing. Quiet this morning a light breeze blew high in the trees everything around me felt damp and a bit heavy. The meadow was thick with dew and it shown like frost in the morning sun, it splashed off my shoes as if I was crossing a creek, my feet soaked quickly. The clouds sat low in the valley below me. I stopped at the summit for a picture. Saw no one on my decent. Time 57:44

Smoky Mountains

 Day 3 0700 and 63 degrees. Still this morning, bugs hummed, bees buzzed and birds sang as if in concert and it seemed to get louder as I climbed. A dozen cattle stood still in the meadow below the summit unaffected by my presence as if enjoying the morning and the concert themselves. A doe sprang over the fence into the park a few yards ahead of me and disappeared. I was a little surprised to see a tent at the summit inside the fence. A man was standing there brushing his teeth, we exchanged pleasantries. I passed up and over the summit and descended quickly back to the house. Time 55:03
Day 4 0445 I groggily rolled out of bed at 0430. 64 degrees, a light swirling breeze made it comfortable. Dark. I spooked the horses and they thundered in a stampeded off to my left as I ran up the road. No greeting from the dogs this morning. Birds fluttered on perches here and there as I chased the orb of my head lamp up the road. The meadow was thick again with dew, stars shown beautifully from above and heat lightening danced in the east as I approached the summit. No wild life not even a flash from the eyes of grazing cattle. Fresh manure landmines where the only evidence they existed in the area. Time 57:27
Day 5 0445 woke before my alarm. It felt cooler than the 64 degrees on the thermometer. It had rained, dark clouds blocked any glimpse of the stars. Nothing seemed to move today, wisps of clouds danced across the trail in front of me as I climbed the logging road to the meadow. Pigs had left a large swath of freshly turned earth in the meadow half way to the summit. The wind was chilling. The light in the east appeared like the small strip of light along the floor of a closed door when approaching it from a dark hall way. I didn't see anything on my descent either, it was a little eerie. Time 57:13
**I hope you get a chance to experience "The Bald." Remember, please respect the wild and domestic animals in the area and the property owners who's property you will traverse to access this NC wonder.

The Test

I put myself through a little test while on vacation. My goal was to run/workout everyday we were gone. Not an easy task as I discovered, not any easier than getting out when at home. Our vacation as most vacations are was filled with wave upon wave of food, drink and activity.
First stop (2 days) Mount Pleasant, South Carolina where we visited a friend from collage and her family. By night we played catch up, went out to eat and had cocktails. By day, non stop tours of the area, Fort Sumter, the air craft carrier USS Yorktown and a fantastic Vietnam War exhibit at Point Pleasant Park. We didn't scratch the surface of what's to do in the area but would love to get back and try. I was up at the crack of dawn and ran both days. The weather was hot, very hot and an early start was prudent. I enjoyed exploring the neighborhoods, trails and flat roads of the area. Lizards skittered about in front of me as ran. On one occasion a beautiful golden eagle screeched at me as I ran along a deserted golf course as if it was cheering me on. It made me think of my Dad, and put a smile on my face. Slipping into the pool upon my return each morning was glorious.

Chasing Shadows

Stop two (3 days), we met family in St. Augustine, Florida. I was excited to visit St. Augustine, it is the oldest in America and home of the fountain of youth. Florida in July is hot and I felt like I was part of an experiment determining the effects of heat and dehydration on the human body. I ran and ran early along with dozens of others. The neighborhoods, streets and beaches of the area where a thrill to explore, classic old homes and modern wonders. Sun rise provided stunning combinations of purples, orange, pinks and grays with majestic cloud formations like those surrounding planet Bespin and Lando Calrissians, Cloud City in Star Wars. Streets umbrellaed by moss strung trees kept the direct sun at bay. I developed the habit of following the shade of the trees along the road as if my life depended on it. We toured, ate and drank as if it was possible to fit everything St. Augustine had to offer into our stay and soaked up as much sun SPF50 lotion would allow at the beach or by the pool.
Our final destination, Orlando, Florida and DISNEY! Our itinerary was chalk full of five fun packed days at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Getting in my run on this leg of the journey was going to be a challenge. Walking around four different parks, rides, waiting in line, back across the park another ride, dinner then fireworks was a work out itself. And it was hot, when the doors of the hotel open the heat hits you as if you are walking into a convection oven, you start sweating as you cross the threshhold. It was amazing how consuming the heat was that early in the morning and sweat rolled off me throughout my run as if I had just steeped out of the shower. Reentry into the hotel was just as polarizing, like walking directly into the sub artic from the desert, chills. Fortunetly our hotel featured a state of the art fitness center rivialing any New York Sports Club and with the company of my daughter I avoided the oven for a few days of our visit. Disney has thought of everything however and along with maps of their parks they have running trails mapped out and my desire to explore outweighed the discomfort of the heat. 

Boardwalk Sun Rise

Back in North Carolina it has been 70 degrees, cooler over night. In fact it was a little chilly on my run this morning and wish I had put on a different shirt. Quite a change from last weeks runs on the surface of the sun, I'll take it. I passed The Test, whats next?

SCAR~DNF

• I did NOT finish my SCAR (Smokies Challenge Adventure Run) attempt in May.
• I am NOT happy about it.
• I WILL make another attempt and finish.
• I have avoided writing about it but have continued to think about it so here are some take away's.

Failures:
1) Poor Planning
Traditionally I am up and out early but for this attempt I chose to start in the evening. My theory was that it would be more convenient for my wife who had been tasked to get me to the start and from the finish of my escapade. The late start was foolish. I started at the southern boundary of the park at 1900 after a full day of activity, which included vehicle shuttling and travel. I am typically in bed at 2100 so seven hours into this adventure I was already stumbling along the AT in the dark like a zombie chasing the bobbing light of my head lamp down the trail.
2) Check Your Gear
The first section of  trail climbs 4.5 miles in 1700', up steep switchbacks to Birch Spring Gap. I felt fresh and was moving along pretty well. However, the 3rd pull from the tube of my hydration pack reveled a big problem, "it was empty". I had filled it with Tailwind before leaving the house and throwing my pack into the back of the car for the drive to the trail head. The 70oz bladder had emptied itself in the car before I had taken my first step. I had two additional 24oz water bottles with me and according to the millage card I had put together, had multiple locations to obtain water along the way. I would be ok.
3) Where is the water
I traveled nearly 20 miles before finally securing water. Which would not have been a big deal if my bladder had not bled its contents all over the back of my wife's car. I did not locate water in the couple locations referenced having it and others (Shelters) where full of sleeping hikers and I did not feel it was appropriate to be rooting around their campsites in the dark in search of water although in hindsight I probably should have. When I did finally find water I sat in the dark getting my fill for an eternity.
4) Bugs
Yay Bugs! At one point during my preparation I had considered taking bug repellent but for some reason never did more than that. I may have come to the conclusion that bugs would not be an issue in May or it simply slipped my mind as I considered other logistics. Either way I dealt with bugs and it was a nuisance until it finally cooled down enough for them disappear. Admittedly this was not a Maine black fly kind of nuisance but enough to make me wish I had repellent. In reality I was just feeling sorry for my self, thirsty and tired.

Successes:
1) Resupply vehicle
 My wife had recommended shuttling a vehicle to Newfound Gap (the only road crossing of the AT in the park) prior to my departure so I would have access to resupply or in the event I bailed I could get home without any trouble. This was the best decision of the entire trip as you all know I bailed and was able to sleep in the car for awhile before heading home with my tail between my legs and without having to interrupt the families day. *Thank you to my wife  (Shelle) who over the years has supported countles of my adventures from Colorado to Alaska and along the AT from Georga To Maine.
2) 40+ miles covered
I covered 40 miles and despite the water issue and the start time did pretty damn well really.

The SCAR

My Appalachian Trail story began 40 years ago when my Uncle David first shared stories with me about his experiences along the trail, I was probably six, maybe older. I remember listening wide eyed and in awe. Later at an AT crossing somewhere in Virginia on a summer tour of Civil War battle fields with my Dad and Uncle Taylor, I recall fondly us considering what it would be like to walk to Maine from where we stood. I wondered, "could I". In 1995 I somehow convinced my wife to through hike the 2,180+ mile length of the trail from Georgia to Maine. That trip has been over for years but recoverable memories sneak back time and again reminding me of our adventure. In the last 14 years I have lived with in a few miles of the trail allowing for frequent outings with our old friend. Re-hiking countless sections along the AT, introducing the trail to our kids.

There is  a mystique about the Appalachian Trail that few appreciate and even fewer understand. It somehow has the ability to become a part of you. It certainly holds a special place in my heart. The wilderness experience it allows, its accessibility and its history: first conceived in 1921 by Benton Mackaye. Makes the Appalachian Trail the first and a stand out, long distance trail.

Since relocating to North Carolina I have aspired to traverse the 72 mile section of the AT through the Smoky Mountain National Park in one push. This section of trail is technical, with a lot of steep rocky climbs and descents on single track along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Starting at Fontana Dam at the southern end of the park the trail climbs 2000' in the first 4 miles. Continuing north towards Davenport Gap at the northern end of the park along Interstate 40 the route has an elevation gain over 18,000', 12,800' of that in the first 40 miles. Food and gear must be carried with you and water pulled from streams along the way. The only bail-out or support possible is at mile 40 at Newfound Gap where the trail crosses US441 inside the park.

While planning my attempt to cover the 72 mile section of the AT I discovered that completion of the route is not really a unique feet. Know as the SCAR (Smokies Challenge Adventure Run) dozens of people have navigated the route over the years. The Fastest Known Time (FKT) website state the Vicki Johnson first traversed the route in the mid 80's in under 20 hours. There are also a handful of documented crossing in the mid 90's. Most recently David Worth set the supported SCAR/FKT in 20011 covering the distance in 14h 40m 22s and in 2014 Billy Simpson set the double SCAR standard in 3d 7 h 25m. Additionally, more than a dozen people have completed the route in less than 24 hours including ultra running Legend David Horton.

I am not the same caliber of runner that David Horton is, and I certainly wont be challenging David Worth's SCAR/FKT when I set off Friday May 13, 2016 from Fontana Dam on my SCAR attempt, but I've got to tell you if I can cover the distance in 24 hours or less I will be ecstatic. Honestly, I will be thrilled to make it to Davenport Gap on my own power, I will certainly give it my best shot. I will let you know how it turns out.

When a race is not in the cards

We had a rocky start to the 15/16 ski season. And the start of the ski season typically marks the end of my focused training. Over the years I have learned to accept this and the fact that a late winter early spring race just is not possible for me. I've learned not to stress over it and accept my lot. I can race summer and fall races.
OK STOP! that is a load of BS!! This forced acceptance actually really bothers me. Over the years as the ski season draws near I always think, "maybe this year?' There are a lot of early season races I would love to participate in.
In the end it just doesn't happen.
However this year Mother Natures hand that so stifled skiing in the east led me to consider "this could be the year." This could be the year I would participate in Western North Carolina's iconic Mount Mitchell Challenge held at the end of March. I had volunteered the previous couple races and Jay Curwan, the race director had awarded me an entry.
The atypical start to the ski season allowed me to keep up with my millage and work in some focused strength work the challenge required.

As bad for business the weather was I came into the New Year more fit than I typically am, excited and feeling great. I should have known better. The ski season began to gain momentum in the middle of January. I missed a few critical runs but was able to continue running, focus on leg strength, log tons spin bike miles and a few after hours laps, skinning up the mountain. I was in uncharted territory at this point but feeling pretty comfortable with my training.

 "An impossibility taunts us until we attempt it just because its there." George Mallory

Running a late winter-early spring race had been taunting me for years. It seemed this was going to be the year. The weather had been cooperating, business levels where cooperating, the STARS aligning. Suddenly, the wheels came OFF! A perfect way to describe when everything is cruising along, firing on all cylinders - then out of left field- the wheels come off! BAM! I got sick, work had gotten extremely busy and life just got in the way and I couldn't recover.
Its just not in the cards! Sooo, I didn't race and that was awfully disappointing. Goals not only missed but never attempted. I was distraught, pitiful really. I got over myself, eventually, but it took me months to write this. I eventually realized that my effort was not for not. I did in fact achieved number of successes despite not running the "Challenge."
1) I am more fit than I typically am this time of year
2) I learned to test a number of different training techniques allowing me to be more well balanced
3) Late winter and spring races are just not for me, I got it
4) Realistic, achievable goals are the best goals!
Now that all that is off my chest I plan on running the 70 miles through the Smokey Mountain National Park along the Appalachian Trail in May. I will let you know how that goes.

Test Yourself

Most people have trouble getting out the door this time of year and a lot is written about the subject. Often the weather is to blame for holding one back. When it comes to not getting out who wants to run in the rain, when it is bitter cold and dark when they can stay in a warm and cozy bed?

It is suggested to change up your workouts, learn the keys to winter training, try a little cross training, find a dry road and run on it, set a goal and work to achieve it. But.....will these tactics get you out?
Goal setting and achieving for that matter is not as easy as it would seem and there is a lot written about this topic as well.
Choose a goal and tell people about it. This is supposed to make you accountable to yourself for reaching your goal. Will this alone help you get out the door on the worst days?
Develop a plan to help you achieve your goal. You still have to execute your plan and that means getting outside. Is this enough?
I believe that discipline is the missing ingredient required to achieve your goals and getting out the door anytime of the year in any weather.

The Test:
The moment the alarm goes off begins the test. The test is not a complex one but it sets the tone for the rest of the day, for your training. When your alarm sounds do you get up and out of bed, or do you hit snooze, roll over in comfort and drift back to sleep? If you have the DISCIPLINE to get out of bed- you pass the test. If your are mentally weak at the moment you hit snooze and roll over and let weakness keep you in bed, you fail the test.
Though it seems small, that weakness translates to more significant decisions. Not getting up and getting out, blaming the weather and other things beyond our control. If you exercise discipline it will translate to all elements of your life...... allowing you to achieve your goals. Allowing you to be the best you can be. It is the difference between being good and exceptional. Are you disciplined?